Council supports Blyth streets operation

11 Oct 2017

The County Council has once again teamed up with Northumbria Police on the 12 Streets operation in Blyth to improve the quality of life for local residents.

The initiative was a great success in 2016 when it ran for the first time and saw neighbourhood officers work with partners in Blyth, including Safer Northumberland, focusing on the Cowpen Quay area of the town.

Starting this week (w/c October 9), the initiative will run for 28 days and residents should expect to see sustained activity between police and partners, targeting the local issues which matter to residents.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Smith, from Blyth said: “We remain committed to providing a quality of service to those who need it and protecting those who can’t protect themselves. We will do this through true partnership working, supported by the local authority, volunteer groups, local councillor Kath Nisbet and parish councillor Margaret Richardson by tackling community issues raised by residents with the most appropriate services available to the community.

"The issues we are going to focus on over the coming month are those that the community has identified to us as important and want to see improvements made in Cowpen Quay. We want to encourage people to come and speak to us so we can make sure that we take their views into account and deliver the service people want."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “It’s great to see the force continuing to respond to concerns raised by local people and tackling issues that directly affect our communities. I hope this extensive activity will offer reassurance to residents that we’re working hard to pursue those causing harm and disruption in our local areas, especially those involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

“I’ve no doubt that we will hear many a success story as a result of the 12 streets operation and I look forward to seeing the results in full when it comes to a close.”

County Councillor John Riddle, chair of Safer Northumberland, said: "This is all about agencies working together for the long-term benefit of the local community.

“While we always work to provide long-term solutions to improve people's quality of life, no one organisation can do everything. That’s why so many organisations have come together to provide a range of support and solutions."

Local Ward County Councillor Kath Nisbet added: “Last year this initiative made a real difference in targeting the small minority who caused problems in Cowpen Quay.

"I am confident this year's operation will prove to be a similar success and I'd encourage residents to let us know the issues they'd like agencies to look at."